Ewan Puckle Hobbs’ Post

Very interested to see how the plans for OpenAI to restructure into a benefit corporation develop and how it changes the decision-making and power dynamics at the organisation.

🔔 Introducing The Network Partner for Prabhav 2024 - Toilet Board Coalition | 12th & 13th September, 2024 | The Grand, New Delhi Founded in 2015, the Toilet Board Coalition accelerates innovative business solutions to address the global sanitation crisis. By fostering partnerships among SMEs, corporates, NGOs, investors, and governments, the Coalition works toward achieving universal access to sanitation and hygiene by 2030 (SDG 6.2). Through its Accelerator program, the Coalition supports Sanitation Economy entrepreneurs, impacting over 3 million people daily and unlocking significant financial resources. Toilet Board Coalition is supporting Prabhav 2024 as the Network Partner. Register today at https://prabhav2024.in/ to be a part of India's Largest Impact Investing Summit. -- About Prabhav: Prabhav, India's premier biennial impact investing conference, serves as a pivotal platform for Impact LPs, Asset Managers, Government Officials, and ecosystem stakeholders to convene, deliberate, and advance the India impact sector. Prabhav 2024 is set to ignite the intersection of impact investing and sustainable development under the compelling theme 'Impact Beyond Returns: The India Story.' Dive into six dynamic themes: Equity Impact Investing, Blended Finance, Financial Inclusion, Debt Impact Investing, Climate Finance, and Niche Areas. Join a diverse and influential group of attendees including Asset Owners, Asset Managers, Social Enterprises, Philanthropies, CSR leaders, Academics, and many others who are driving the future of impact investing in India. #Impactinvesting #Prabhav2024

According to Margarita Albors, our founder and president, “all the economic actors, from large corporations to entrepreneurs, must be part of the solutions to the social problems and challenges of the planet. The best way to achieve this is by sparking collaboration among the parties at meetings such as The Gap in Between.” As reported by Impact Entrepreneur 👉 https://lnkd.in/dvCrzPQi Get your free ticket for The Gap in Between (October 8th, Valencia) and discover how innovation and impact are two key drivers in solving today's most pressing social and environmental issues: 🎫 https://lnkd.in/dAAuXXEX #TheGIB #TheGIB24 #Valencia #impact

Team Oorja is elated to see its co-founders Amit Saraogi and Clementine Chambon on the cover of the leading Swiss philanthropy magazine The Philanthropist. They had the pleasure of interviewing with Takashi Sugimoto in Zurich and discussing the growing interest of Foundations in supporting market-based approaches to combat the intractable social and environmental challenges we confront. In the featured interview Amit and Clementine, talk about the genesis of Oorja, its unique and inclusive business model, their own motivation for propelling Oorja’s solution and how catalytic capital from impact investors like elea and others has been instrumental in driving the mission forward. "Our goal was to solve a problem. Initially, we invested heavily in market research. We wanted to understand the problem and then find the right kind of solution through a participatory process. We knew it could be technology-based, but it’s not about pushing a specific technology. Technology is just the enabler”, says Clementine Chambon. Amit Saraogi adds, “For an effective solution to the problem of continued use of fossil energy in rural areas, the question of technology is not key. It’s more essential that we have suitable business models that actually work for the needs of rural customers”.  Oorja’s business model innovation is rooted in its approach to solving the problems of the most disadvantaged communities. With solar-powered irrigation systems, we’re not only replacing diesel pumps but also empowering farmers with climate-smart agricultural practices, helping them increase yields by up to 50%. Read the full interview here: https://rb.gy/xl9op3 This feature shines a light on our journey of scaling clean energy access, social justice, and climate resilience. Thank you to our incredible, investors, partners and supporters who have bolstered our capabilities in delivering results! We would especially like to acknowledge elea and Romy Sauer in facilitating the interview for this publication. Acumen Artha Impact (Rianta Capital) Water and Energy for Food Grand Challenge Echoing Green Partners Group Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship Ashden The Global Good Fund Global Warming Mitigation Project MassChallenge Swiss Re The DOEN Foundation Aga Khan Foundation Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH BASE Foundation SEIF - Driving Impact Innovation Power for All GOGLA Good Market

Happy New Year, #LinkedIn community! 🎉 As we kick off another chapter, we are recharged with a fervent dedication to tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time – #climatechange. 🌱 We stand at the forefront of #sustainable initiatives and community empowerment. This year, our commitment to combating climate change is stronger than ever. We believe that every action, no matter how small, will contribute to a greener, #healthierplanet. 🌍 #CommunityEmpowerment: Our commitment to rural communities remains steadfast. Through tailored programs, training sessions, and collaborative partnerships, we aim to empower individuals, families, and entire communities to chart their course towards a brighter future. 🌱 #SmallholderFarmers: Smallholder farmers are the backbone of our initiatives. In 2024, we're doubling down on our support for these resilient individuals, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to enhance agricultural practices, increase yields, and secure sustainable livelihoods. 📈 #OrganizationalGrowth: As we nurture rural empowerment, we're also nurturing the growth of our organization. The more we grow, the more impact we can create. This year, expect to see MOTHERLAND🌍 expanding its reach, forming strategic partnerships, and amplifying our influence in the realm of sustainable development. You are all welcome to Join us in this exciting journey! 💚 🌿🌟 #growingtogether #Empowerment2024 #SustainableAgriculture #CommunityImpact #OrganizationalGrowth #startups #agriculturalstartups

This #WorldFoodDay, we are proud to share that our global coalition driving sustainable agriculture and food systems has grown to 40 members! We express our gratitude to all the organizations that have supported us in our mission to accelerate and scale finance for low-carbon, climate-resilient, and nature-positive agrifood systems across the world. We would also like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to our five newest members and thank them for bringing their invaluable knowledge and expertise to the coalition: 🌹African Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA), a pan African non-profit network organization of social investors 🌹Alterna, a social innovation platform working with impact-driven ventures in Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean 🌹Climate Resilient Africa Fund, an impact VC fund investing in early-stage sustainable agriculture and nature economy start-ups 🌹Global Innovation Fund, a non-profit, impact-first investment fund aiming to improve the lives of low-income communities 🌹 ISF Advisors , a financial advisory group mobilizing capital for a more sustainable, equitable, and productive global food system 54 Collective 60 Decibels A to Z Impact Aceli Africa Acumen AgDevCo AGRA Alterfin AV Ventures LLC Bamboo Capital Partners British International Investment CABI Ceniarth CGIAR CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF) Clarmondial AG CLASP Convergence Blended Finance Council on Smallholder Agricultural Finance (CSAF) Digital Green Financial Access Finance in Motion GSMA International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Injaro Investments Limited ISF Advisors Mercy Corps AgriFin Mirova Pelican Ag Prospero Rabobank responsAbility Investments AG Root Capital SAIL Investments Shell Foundation

Great article by the inimitable Dr. François Bonnici in Forbes: 10 Million Enterprises Put People And Planet First. Francois writes: “10 million social enterprises worldwide, which collectively generate around $2 trillion in annual revenues, creating over 200 million jobs. The sector now outranks other mainstream industries by annual revenue, such as telecom and apparel. Moreover, social enterprises align their missions with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably in creating decent work, driving climate action and reducing poverty and inequalities.” This is raising the visibility of the scale and economic value of the sector, that contribute to the inclusive sustainable economy the world is asking for. https://lnkd.in/gHWYMJTV

Beyond Bottom Lines: The Rise of Business with Social Impact Aisshwarya DKS Hegde For decades, businesses existed with a singular focus: maximize profit. However, a tidal wave of change is reshaping the landscape, driven by a growing demand for businesses to be not just profitable, but purposeful. The result? The rise of businesses with social impact, where positive societal or environmental change is woven into the core of their operations. These businesses aren't merely donating to charities; they are systematically embedding social impact into their business models. Patagonia, for example, champions environmental sustainability through its recycled clothing initiatives and activism. Toms donates a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased, directly linking their success to social good. The motivations for this shift are numerous. Consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are increasingly seeking brands that align with their values. Employees are drawn to work that contributes to a greater good. Investors are recognizing the long-term benefits of sustainable and responsible practices. But the benefits extend far beyond brand image and recruitment. Businesses with social impact often foster innovation. By addressing social or environmental challenges, they uncover unique market opportunities and develop solutions that wouldn't exist otherwise. Take Beyond Meat, whose plant-based alternatives to meat address environmental concerns and cater to changing consumer preferences. Furthermore, these businesses can build stronger communities and contribute to lasting change. They create jobs, empower marginalized groups, and promote sustainable practices. The Body Shop, for instance, sources ingredients fairly and ethically, empowering communities and promoting environmental protection. Of course, integrating social impact isn't easy. It requires commitment from leadership, robust measurement systems, and transparency in operations. However, the potential rewards are significant. Businesses with social impact can unlock loyal customers, engaged employees, and attracted investors, solidifying their place in a future where purpose and profit go hand in hand. In conclusion, business with social impact is not just a trend; it's a fundamental shift in how we view the role of companies in society. By weaving social good into their DNA, these businesses are not only creating a better world, but also securing their own success in the long run. This is not just good for society, it's good for business. www.thegoodsoul.in #business #socialimpact #socialinnovation #socialenterprise #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur